President Reuven Rivlin today (Tuesday, 22 March 2016) sent a letter to His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium, expressing his deepest condolences following the brutal terror attacks which had taken place in Brussels earlier in the day.

President Rivlin wrote:

"We have heard with horror and shock of the vicious terrorist attacks in Brussels that have taken the lives of so many innocent people and injured so many more.  Our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Belgium at this difficult time. Sadly, we, in Israel, are no strangers to the horror and grief that follows such murderous attacks and can understand the pain you all feel now.

"Terrorism is terrorism is terrorism, whether it takes place in Brussels, Paris, Istanbul or Jerusalem. These horrific events once again prove that we must all stand united in the fight against those who seek to use violence to stifle individual liberty and freedom of thought and belief, and continue to destroy the lives of so many. I want to emphasize that this struggle that we all share, is against this violent terrorism that continues to kill and maim so many, it is not a fight against Islam.

"The people of Israel share with me in mourning the sad loss of life. Please convey our sincere condolences to the bereaved families and to the people of Belgium and our wishes for a speedy recovery to all the injured."